PHOENIX –For years, the biggest question surrounding a potential NHL return for the Arizona Coyotes has been painfully simple, as fans have been asking, where would the team play?
Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes fans in the crowd hold signs for the players following the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
According to former Arizona Coyotes insider Craig Morgan, that question may finally have a much more encouraging answer. Appearing on the CHGO Blackhawks Podcast, Morgan said a group in Arizona has been working on a potential NHL return for some time and believes it now has the necessary funding in place. More importantly, Morgan revealed that he believes the group has narrowed its search to two arena sites. That detail could represent one of the most significant developments in Arizona hockey since the Coyotes left the state.
Dec 21, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Sean Durzi (50) celebrates with his teammates during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Morgan emphasized that the project still faces the NHL's vetting process and that plenty could derail the effort. Still, he said he is "a lot more confident" about the progress being made in Arizona than he was a year ago, pointing to activity happening behind the scenes. The two-site development matters because arena uncertainty has repeatedly overshadowed previous attempts to bring NHL hockey back to the Valley. Finding a viable building location is not simply about identifying land. A potential arena needs the right financing, infrastructure, transportation access, development partners and political support to make an NHL franchise sustainable.
Nov 11, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Arizona Coyotes goaltender Connor Ingram (39) reacts after allowing a goal during the first period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Now, according to Morgan, an Arizona group appears to have moved beyond simply discussing possibilities and into narrowing down tangible options. For Arizona hockey fans, that distinction is enormous. There is no confirmed franchise, arena agreement or league approval yet, but it does suggest the conversation may finally be shifting from whether anyone can make Arizona work to which plan could actually work. After years of uncertainty, that may be the most meaningful reason for optimism yet. If two potential arena sites truly are on the table, Arizona hockey fans finally have something concrete to watch.
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